Hidalgo Park quiosco gets state honor

Saphire Williams, 8, left, and her older sister Ezmiralda, 10, sit on the gazebo Saturday before the start of the Harris County Historical Commission and the Magnolia Park Historical Preservation Association dedication of a Texas Historical Commission marker to commemorate the quiosco in Hidalgo Park in the city's East End neighborhood of Magnolia Park, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, in Houston. (Michael Paulsen : Houston Chronicle)

Although state historic markers in this area tend to honor people, buildings or notable events, every now and then something a little different gets singled out for recognition.

On Saturday, the Hidalgo Park quiosco was designated a state historic landmark. The gazebo has long been a familiar gathering spot for Magnolia Park residents since it was dedicated on Sept. 16, 1934.

According to the historical marker, the structure was commissioned by the Mexican-American community under the leadership of Dr. A.G. Gonzales and designed by Houston resident Vidal Lozano, who worked as an iron works molder and pipe fitter. The quiosco is the only known public example of Lozano’s artwork.

As for the structure itself, it was constructed in an iron frame covered with hand-molded textured concrete, which gives it its arborlike appearance.

On Tuesday evening, the county will be looking for your input on plans to restore the Sylvan Beach Pavilion, which has sat vacant since it was damaged by Hurricane Ike.

According to a story in Saturday’s Chronicle, residents are asked to bring old photos of the pavilion, especially color images to help provide a faithful restoration.

From the article:

The budget will not allow wholesale structural changes, so work primarily will consist of repairing and restoring aesthetics. Residents’ input will be most welcome, Reissig said, on design tweaks that will allow multiple uses for the facility, from weddings and quinceañeras to ballroom dances, community meetings and retirement parties.

The meeting will be held at the La Porte High School student center, 301 E. Fairmont Parkway, from 6 to 8 p.m.